Description
Indulgent Stuffed Acorn Squash Spinach is a cozy and flavorful dish featuring naturally sweet roasted acorn squash filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. This vegetarian recipe combines rich textures and aromatic thyme, perfect as a comforting main or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Acorn Squash
- 1 medium Acorn Squash
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for drizzling and roasting)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and gather all ingredients and utensils required for the recipe.
- Prepare Acorn Squash: Slice the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds carefully. Place the halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast Squash: Bake the squash cut-side down in the preheated oven for around 30 minutes until tender.
- Sauté Spinach: While the squash roasts, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and sauté for about 5 minutes until it is fully wilted. Drain off any excess moisture from the cooked spinach.
- Prepare Filling: Soften the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl by microwaving it for 30 seconds. Mix the sautéed spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme together until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff Squash: Remove the roasted squash from the oven and carefully flip each half cut-side up. Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture evenly into the squash cavities.
- Final Roast and Broil: Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and roast for an additional 20 minutes to meld flavors. For a golden crust, broil the stuffed squash for an extra 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- You can substitute avocado oil for olive oil if preferred.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme works well; use about half the amount.
- Ensure the spinach is well drained to prevent soggy filling.
- Monitor the broil step carefully to achieve a golden crust without burning.
- This recipe serves 4 and makes an excellent vegetarian main or side dish.
